( printed page 51989)National Purple Heart Day, 2026Proclamation 11053 of August 6, 2026A ProclamationOn National Purple Heart Day, we honor the immeasurable sacrifices of every valiant service member wounded or killed in combat in defense of our Nation and we reaffirm our eternal gratitude for their unrivaled heroism. First bestowed by General George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart stands as our Nation's oldest military decoration, reserved for those wounded or fallen in defense of our country. Today, and every day, we salute our American warriors who bear the Purple Heart and whose courage carried forward the enduring blessings of freedom. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 7, 2026, as National Purple Heart Day. I call on all Americans to observe this day by honoring the courage and sacrifice of our Purple Heart recipients and expressing gratitude to our veterans.